Tapitsfly Edges Daisy Devine in First Lady

Knowing Tapitsfly will likely be retired at the end of this season, trainer Dale Romans is making sure he enjoys each racing moment remaining with the 5-year-old Tapit mare.

On Oct. 6, Tapitsfly gave Romans and her connections another special day when she out-dueled Daisy Devine in the stretch to post a half-length victory in the $350,000 First Lady Stakes (gr. IT) at Keeneland (VIDEO).

Tapitsfly secured her second grade I victory of the season as she rallied from fourth in the far turn, engaged Daisy Devine in early stretch, and edged past that rival late. With Jose Lezcano aboard for the first time, Tapitsfly completed one mile in 1:35.44 on firm turf.

Trained by Romans for owner-breeder Frank Jones Jr., Tapitsfly also scored in this season’s Just a Game Stakes (gr. IT) at Belmont Park.

"She has been a special filly," Romans said. "She’s probably going to retire at the end of this year. She’s going to have one or two more starts left so we’ve to to pick some place that’s going to count."

Romans noted that he’s not comfortable with the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (gr. IT) but will give that race some consideration, along with possibly the Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT).

Tapitsfly returned $7.60 to win, $4.20 to place, and $2.60 to show. Daisy Devine held second, returning $4 to place and $2.80 to show, while 7-5 favorite Hungry Island settled for third and returned $2.20 to show.